Elevator



Patented lan. l7, I899. G. A. WHEELER.

ELEVATOR.

(Application filed A r. 16, 1897) 3 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

No. 6l7,788. Patented lan. l7, i899.

- G. A. WHEELER.

ELEVATOR.

{Application filed Apr. 16, 1897.)

{No Model.) I 7 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

9 9 l n n" a l. d e t n e t a P R M T HA v E l- A E G & 8 U 6 0 N (Appliation filed Apr.

' 3 Sheets8heet 3.

(No Model.)

TUNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE;

GEORGE A. WHEELER, on NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF ToonARLEs D. SEEBERGER, 0F oHIcAco, ILLINOIS.

l ELEVATOR.

SPEQIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 617,788, dated January 17, 1899.

Application iiled A rn1s,' 1s97. Serial No. 632,428. (No modeli) To all whontz t may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE A. WHEELER,

a citizen of the United States, and aresident :the case of the approach to abridge or elevated viaduct.

[Theobject of my improvement is to increase. the safety and eflieiency and to decrease the power necessaryto successfully The elevator described in United States Letters Patent No. 479,864, dated August 2, 1892, issued uponmy application, forms the basis forthe improvements hereinafter described.

As shown by the above-mentioned patent,

, my invention relates to a traveling structure -the steps move; and in my present invention I so construct the -.track that each step decomposed of a series fof moving steps connected or located so as to'move together and preferably pivoted together through the medium of endless chains or belts,xin1combination with a course, way,'or track-inwhich scribes a gradual curve as it passes from its landing-point or substantially level portion to its inclined portion, leading to a different lovelf The employment of this curve, to which the two sections of the, track are tangent, servesto prevent any sudden'jar in passing from a horizontal to an inclinedsection, and also in case-the tread-surfaces are always maintained. in horizontal position causes the steps to pass gradually from formin g a continuous landing-surface to the stairlike construction on theinclined portions.

The employment of these curves, further, enables me to avoid friction, and I am enabled to maintain the chain or jointed structure at the proper tension, as with this arrangement of track there is no possible position of the chain in which its length can be caused to vary materially as compared with the length of the track.

Another feature of my present invention is the cm )10 "ment in connection with a stationary grating or landing composed of parallel bars and spaces extending in the same direetion that the elevator is moving, of steps composed of a series of parallel brackets suitably spaced apart, so as to form a tread-sur" face which shall properly interweave with the stationary grating or landing. These gratings or landings are preferably inclined downwardly, and as a step arrives at or near either extreme position the tread of the step interweaving with the structure of the grati-ng or platform involuntary deposits the passengernpon the landing. I

' Another feature of my invention consists,

in the employment, in addition to the railsnpon which the wheels at each end of the step are carried, of a companion rail located in the same vertical plane and separated therefrom by about the diameter of a wheel or a little more, the object being to maintain the wheels or rollers under such control that should the steps be separated by the breaking of the chain or other-connection employed the released and moving steps cannot buckle and pile u p, but will simple block themselves in a normal position.

Another feature of my invention consists in the employment for the purpose of guarding against catching and eutangling the drapery of foot-passengers, in addition to the usual arrangement of sheathing or inclosure for the moving hand-rail, of a. continuous overhanging rail or projection arranged on the interior surface of the sheathing ata short distance above the line of the moving steps. In addition to the employment of this rail I mount the wheels or rollers bearing the steps so thatth'ey shall be at a slight dis- The accom an in 'drawin s illustrate in 1 a a I invention. i a

Figure 1.is a longitudinal sectional view of the series of connected steps, part of the belt or chain and the cooperating-rollers, therails' upon which'the wheels or rollers travel, and

the stationary grating or landing at the elevated end of the structure. Fig. 1 is a section of the same at the upper end. Fig. 2 is asimilar view of the same at the lower end.

Fig. 3 is a similar intermediate section. 4 is a transversesectional view on the line 4 4, Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a sectional view of one of the moving steps, designed to show the convex form of the riser and the are described by the succeeding step at a certain point in its movement. Fig. 6 is a transverse section on the line (3 6, .Fig. 3'. Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of myjnv'ention at the elevated terminal as applied to a double elevator for transportation in opposite directionssimultaneously, Fig. 8 is a similar view of the lower landingonr-the ascending side thereof. Fig. 9 is a similar view at the lower landing on the descending side thereof. Fig. 10 is a transverse section on the line 10 10, Fig. 7. Fig. 11 is a transverse section on the line 11 11, Fig. 9. Fig. 12 is a detail view showing one of the brackets modified and forming part of a step; and Fig. 13 shows a sents power-driven wheels.

ply the power at or near the upper landing.-

step composed of brackets separated by spaces, the treads being of rubber strips and.

serrated.

W in all the figures of the drawings repre- I prefer to ap- S indicates the sheathing or inclosure for a moving hand-rail H, arranged as well understood. H I

0 indicates a chain, through the medium of which the wheel W to propel the moving hand-rail is driven.

I provide two parallel fixed an gle-iron channels, constituting the frameof the elevator.

steel, having hubs 19.

These channels are located in parallel planes,

'and I prefer to construct them of sections riveted-together, as shown in Fig. 4. Each of the moving steps is composed of a series of brackets 19, preferably of sheet metal, as The two stamped sheets of which a' bracket is composed,,having hubs projecting in, opposite directions,-

are riveted together, adjacent brackets 11 be- The tread of the step is preferably serrated,-

ing separated by a space substantially equal to their thickness. The series of brackets constituting a step are arranged upon hollow' axles h, having wheels or rollers m and 'n.

successive adjacent steps.

- At the upper landing U and at the lower landing L thereis a stationary grating at one end thereiof having bars arranged parallel with their ongitudinal extension in the direction of movement of the elevator, the forward ends being preferably tapered and slightly coming in contact with the wheels;

depressed. The space between adjacent bars? a is slightly greater than the thickness of a; bracketb, so as to receivesuch bracket be-i-17o tween the bars a, the advance point of each bracket b being slightly tapered, sdasmim sure the passage of the bracket between the bars a without interference. Each step in its movement interlea'ves with the grating of the landing, but each step at its maximum elevation occupies a position substantially level with the landing, which position it maintains for a more or less extended space, according to the space available. Each step in its turn sinks out of engagement with the stationary grating, leaving the foot-passenger in position thereon. R and R indicate the rails, upon which the wheels m and 'n, travel, and G indicates a guard-rail on the upper side of the lower run or track way; This guard-rail is fixed in position above the rail R. The function of this rail G .is to maintain the moving structure under control in case of a break occurring in the continuity of the successive steps at any point' on the lower or return run. The course or track'of a step,'as shown and as usually constructed, is first horizontal for a section, then an inclined section, and again horizontal for asection or distance upon an elevated plane. In my prior patented structure and in all existing structures, so far as I know,- the junction of, the horizonta tracks with the inclined tracks has presente an a ngle, and the steps in passing from one section ordirection of movement to another have heretofore changed their direction abruptly and in a manner tending to jolt pas-- sengers. My lmprovements provide ho'rizontal tracks joined toinclined tracks by a graiiual curve, resulting in a gradualmo'vement in a curved line in passing from one sectioni to another, as from a landing to the stairs and again from the stairsto the landing.

-The' sectional View Figi 6 shows, the 1101 low axle h, upon which steps are supported, with the wheel m slightly removed from the end of the step, so as to permit of carrying o the wall 10, constituting part of the sheath- T15 ing or inclosure S for the moving hand-rail, A down as far as the axle h, the object being F to prevent the drapery,of passengers from In Fig 10 I have shown thisdescribgdimprovement,' 1z o together with an overhanging continuous rail 2:, which is fixed to the surface of the sheath ing or incl osure S and which acts to hold the drapery out of the plane of the space oropening between the interior end of the step and I2 5 the wall 10. c

In Fig. 7 I have shown an upper landing where the elevator is arranged for continuous operation in both directions. The brackets-b, of which the steps are composed are arranged and constructed substantially as heretofore described, but are provided with an-additional depending riser d, which in its downward movement performs the same functions IIO performed by the companion riser in its upward movement. As the steps approachthe landingwhere the passengers are stepping} on and off it sometimes occurs that weight is unevenly distributed upon a step and there is a tendency to tilt or tip.

In this manner I prevent the tipping or tilt-- ing of the step at or near the landings.

In Fig. 7 I have shown two wheels V at or near the elevator-landing, audit is my intention to apply power at one or both of these wheels. The described wheels W are united at this point by means of a sprocket-chain I), having teeth or projections -20, which extend outwardly and into a plane where they engage with the links connecting successive steps of the moving structure. The wheels W and chain D are duplicated to engage with the links uniting the successive steps at the opposite side of the moving structure.

, In Figs. 11 and 13 I have shown hollow axles 71 which are supported in journals to which a suitable lubricant may be conducted through perforations arranged to connectthe interior of the hollow shaft with the surface of the shaft and journal. In operation I fill the hollow shaft with a lubricant and conduct it to the journals through thcdescribed perforations.

In Figs. 10 and 13 I have shown the surface of the tread as serrated or checkered in a manner well understood in the art. This surface may consist of a strip of molded rubber set into the surface of the step, or 'itmay be the result of cutting or stamping the surface of-the metal. \Vhen this surface is of moldedrubber 91, I insert the strip in the surface of the bracket, which is dishedfor the purpose and provided with lugs 92, stamped from the metal and bent down after the strip is in position to hold it against displacement.

In constructing the elevator I prefer to employ idler-sprockets J, Fig. 2, at the lower end, loop, or turn, and I omit the inner tracks for the forward wheels, allowing the chain-belts with the steps attached, to ride upon the 1W11GBIS J, supporting only the rear wheels'm, which roll upon guard-rail G until theyswing by gravity over onto elliptical segmental rail I .21, and similarly in Fig.1 the wheel W performs the same function, and the result is the same.

. I provide for a sag in the chain by support-- ing the rear wheels of the steps only, allowing the chain and steps attached to sag where they leave the driving-sprockets W, Fig 1, to better free the chain and to produce proper tension in the chain, which for this purpose runs over the idlers .I, -Fig. 3, placed at the intersection of the horizontal return track or rails with the inclined return track or rails.

To obviate this,, I provide an additional rail 00, (shown in dotted I prefer that the return-steps shall descend in a straight line, Fig. 2, meeting the bottom idlers J at tangency to better counterbalance the horizontal portion of the belt, and I preferto arrange the length of the lower landing i landings are requiredmodifications in the return-tracks may be made. I also prefer to interpose between the faceand body of the tracks, Figs. 10and 11, a strip of suitable accordingly; butwhere longer or shorter-.

material, as rubber '2' or gum-cloth, to reduce as far as possible'the noise and vibration of the moving belt of steps. The grating at U may be fixed in position at any point desired with respect to the moving steps provided said steps'interleave'before changing from a substantially horizontal position. I 7 What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. The combination in an elevator of the p class described, of a moving structure com posed of a. series of steps forming in their op eration an endless chain, with asjup'porti'ng structure for tracks for said steps,said tracks beingarrauged in two or more sections at. different angles to a horizontal plane, said sec-' tions being connected by a curve to which said sections are tangent, whereby the change of steps from one angle of movement to another may be made gradual,- substantially as and for the purpose described.

. 2. The combination in an elevator of the class described, of a moving structure-composed of a series of steps forming in their operationanendless chain; with "a supporting structure having tracks ,for said steps, said tracksbeing arranged in twoor more sections at difierent angles to a horizontal plane, said sections being connected by a curve to which they are tangent; and bearing connections between said steps and tracks arrangedso as to maintain the tread-surfaces always horizontal, so that on the horizontal portions of the tracks the steps'will form a continuous horizontal landingsurface, and on the inclined sections a stairway having the risers of the steps of a uniforin' depth, and 'onthe curved portions astairway having the risers of gradually-increasing depth, as and for the purpose described.

3. The combination in a passenger-elevator of the character described of a moving structure composed of a series of steps united at endless chain, wheels of rollers at each end of each step, a supporting structure, and rails for the wheels arranged in two sections, one section being horizontal and one section inclined, said rail-sections being united by a curve to which the said sectionsare tangent,

substantially each end by a series of pivoted links into an I ingwaysfor said steps, said ways thp load thereo J15? action has'ceaised'.

supporting structure forming ways for said steps, said ways being arranged in horizontal and inclined'sections to form landings and stairs respectively, and so constructed as to maintain the tread-surfaces of the steps horizontal upon the operative'portions of said landings and stairs; and a grated landing composed of substantially horizontal parallel bars separated by spaces with which the each tread-surface at the beginning or ending of the interleaving action occupying a maximum elevation at least flush with the upper" surface of the grated landing and subsequently sinking or previously having risen through saidl'anding so as to deposit the load thereon or take ittherefrom and remaining a horizontal until the interleaving action has ceased. p

5. In an elevating apparatus of theclass described, the combination of a moving structure composed of a series of steps forming in their operation an endless chain, each step being composed of a, series of parallel brackets. separated sofas to form a tread-surface ,groove'd longitudinally in the direction of its nfovement 5 with a supporting structure form- .being arranged in horizontal and iriclinedsections to form'landings and stairs respectively, and soc'onstruct'edfas. t9 maintain the tread-surfaces of the steps hgrizontalzupon tliebperative portions of said landings and stairs; and a grated landing composed of', substantially horizontal-parallel bars separatediby; steps ,with which the; grooved t r'ead-surfaces ofthe 1 steps interleave, each tread surface at the beginningpr ending of the interleaving action occupying a-niaxi with the upper surfaceof the grated'l'andin g andsi'rbsequently si king onpreyiously having risen throu li sai landing so as fodeposit n or. take it theref rom and reliiaininghorizontal untilthe interleaving v ,6. In anjelevatorof tlie a asdescribed, the i combination of a landing colnposed f T 21' bars and spaces, located, ata slig t angle Litlr respect to the horizontal; aqseries of grooved tread-surfaces of the stepsinterleave,

mum elevation atleas't flush i paral-;

moving steps forming in their operationaj' endless chain, each-step having a tread sunface composed of parallel" bars and spaces which are kept horizontal throughout their operative movement; wheels for the steps; and rails for the wheels extending below said 5 landing-in a line such that the steps when in a horizontal plane interleavewith the grating of the landing, each tread-surface at the beginning or ending of the interleaving action occupying a maximum elevation at least flush 6 with the upper surface of the grated landing and subsequently sinking or previously having risen [through said landing so as to deposit the' load thereonlor take it therefroim and remaining horizontal until the interleav- 65 ing action has ceased.

7. In an elevator of the character described the combination'of a series of steps united at opposite ends into an endless jointed chain or structure, wheels or rollers at the ends of 7 each step and a pair of rails at each end ofp step, rails upon which said wheels travel, a

moving hand-rail located at. one side and a 80 sheathing for theinterior exposed side of said hand-rail extending down between the ends of the steps and said supporting-rollers to the axles of said rollers, substantially as described. a

- 9. In an elevator, a series of steps united at opposite ends into a jointed structure or chain -wheels or rollers at each end of each step, rails upon which the wheels travel, a

moving a sheathing for the interior eyposed side of saidhand-rail and a continuous rail or pro- ,jection upon said sheathing, substantially as H and for the purpose described.

GEORGE A. WHEELER. Witn-esses: L

' FRANCES A. SPERRY, V

WALTER S. PLACE.

hand-rail located at one side thereof, 0 

